Liverpool FC proudly endorses the Premier League's 'With Pride' initiative, which will see all matches played from February 6 to February 12 dedicated to this cause. This timing aligns perfectly with LGBT+ History Month, providing a vital platform to honor and promote the contributions of the LGBT+ community within the world of football. It's a moment to not only celebrate but also acknowledge the ongoing efforts aimed at making the sport more welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
This commendable initiative was created through collaborative discussions involving Liverpool FC, other football clubs, representatives from LGBT+ supporter groups, and various stakeholders. The focus is on three key aspects: education, celebration, and tangible action.
As part of this initiative, new educational resources focusing on LGBT+ inclusion are being introduced this month. These materials are aimed at children and young adults participating in LFC Foundation community programs, such as Premier League Primary Stars, Premier League Kicks, and Premier League Inspires.
These resources are thoughtfully designed to equip young people with essential skills and encourage engaging dialogues around important subjects, including the use of respectful language and how to be an effective ally to the LGBT+ community.
To further commemorate LGBT+ History Month, Liverpool FC is organizing a webinar specifically for its employees. This session will delve into the concept of allyship in 2026, emphasizing its significance in creating an inclusive environment.
Liverpool FC's support for LGBT+ initiatives is extensive and long-standing. Notably, the club made history in 2012 by being the first to join a Pride march. It has consistently contributed a portion of the proceeds from its Pride merchandise to local LGBT+ charities, a practice that will continue this year.
In addition, LFC maintains a close partnership with Kop Outs, the club's LGBT+ supporters group. As part of the Premier League's 'With Pride' launch, Kop Outs, alongside other clubs' LGBT+ supporter groups, will be featured in a series of unique illustrations by artist Ashton Attzs, with a presentation planned for later this month.
The LFC Foundation is also hosting an LGBT+ community event designed for young people, featuring a variety of sports and activities in celebration of LGBT+ History Month. Furthermore, during the upcoming Liverpool FC Women community match, local LGBT+ charity Sahir House will be present to share information about their services with supporters.
According to Rishi Jain, the director of impact at Liverpool FC, "Football has a unique ability to unite people, but that unity can only be achieved when everyone feels acknowledged, respected, and safe to express themselves freely. By supporting the Premier League's 'With Pride' initiative, we reaffirm our enduring commitment to inclusivity and to making sure that everyone feels at home at Liverpool FC."
Additionally, LFC and other Premier League clubs are partnering with the national LGBT+ listening service, Switchboard, which offers free and confidential support to the LGBT+ community.
Through the 'With Pride' initiative, young players in Liverpool's Academy will receive valuable education regarding identity and inclusion. The club is also dedicated to providing ongoing training on equality, diversity, and inclusion for its staff, as part of its initiative known as Red Together (https://www.liverpoolfc.com/redtogether).
Moreover, LFC staff have access to year-round LGBT+ training through the Premier League, including specialized sessions, workshops, and resources designed to enhance understanding and foster inclusive practices.
Supporters are reminded of a new reporting tool launched during the 2024-25 season, allowing fans to report incidents of discrimination anonymously. This service can be utilized via text message or WhatsApp, enabling fans to communicate concerns, share images, and indicate specific locations of issues, ensuring a prompt response from the stadium's stewarding team if necessary.
On match days, fans can easily report concerns by scanning QR codes located around Anfield or by texting +447701 411048. The system ensures that all messages are kept confidential and anonymous, as supporters' mobile numbers are encrypted.
